Beirut River Valley

The site consists mainly of Beirut River water shed, extending 20km west from Falougha, where the river rises, to the outskirts of Hazmeih, just east of Beirut. Total area: 8096 ha

IBA Criteria met: A4iv

Explanation:

In spring, large numbers of White Stork and White Pelican pass over, while in autumn 2006 over 70,000 birds of prey were seen migrating south, including 51,000 European Honey-buzzard and over 5000 each of Levant Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Total number of soaring birds seen in autumn (71,910) far exceeds the 5,000 needed to satisfy Category A4iv. Number of species observed: 41

Habitat:

Fast-flowing river, flowing westwards in a deep valley, with Pine woodland dominating the northern slopes while the southern slopes are mostly scrub and cultivated land with scattered villages. High rocky cliffs found at the eastern end of the valley and the river is lined with tall deciduous trees and dense undergrowth.

Al Hima: A way of life

This book is the fruit of a wide collaboration. It is an expression of rich ideas. But most of all it’s an articulation of passion. Almost every person who contributed to this book is passionate about the Hima question and the traditional approaches to conservation in general and the wealth in knowledge that indigenous people of this region hold in their collective memory.